Rock On! with Danny Coleman's entertainment picks

By
Danny Coleman, The Trentonian

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Welcome to my musical world! This is one man’s attempt to alert you to the best in area entertainment!

I wrote last week of a benefit that I was asked to emcee this passed Sunday which was organized by local band Honey Spot Blvd. “The Benefit For Sandy Hook Elementary & Division Of Youth And Family Services” was a huge success, raising nearly $2,300. I was honored to be part of this event for more reasons than I can count but here are some of my highlights from the day.

Highlight number 5: Mike and Elaine Russo, proprietors of The Ivy Tavern, for not only cooking but donoting the food, their bar and time to the cause.

Highlight number 4: The members of HSB who each donated an item to the silent auction. Bill, Terry, Rusty and a major kudos to Jessica for not only donating a painting but organizing the entire day’s activities!

Highlight number 3: Charles Laurita, Frank Clayton and Mike (who’s last name I was never privy to) for providing the sound system and for their total professionalism throughout the day; it was a sincere pleasure to work along side these fine gentlemen.

Highlight number 2: “The Beaver Bucket” Enough said....

Highlight number 1: The bands! Deva Hairston Ketrow kicked the whole thing off with a unique chant for peace; then the rock ‘n’ roll took over. From a rousing display of vocals from up and coming young artist Alexis Schulz as she accompanied The Papa Carl Project to the great sounds of Soul Custody; these bands donated and rocked the house. Lisa Bouchelle, Chowder, Christine Martucci (who spoke fondly of her days living in Trenton and hanging at Tweet’s Tavern), our hosts HSB (who had local crooner Bob O. come up and do a great version of “All Of Me”) and Charles Laurita & The Mischief supplied the larger enthusiastic crowd with a fun filled and great afternoon of music! Charles Laurita & The Mischeif, a six piece unit featuring a full horn section is the all original project of area artist Charles Laurita. Those of you familiar with Charles know that he has a penchant to, at times, think outside the box with song selection; his original music project is no different. Mixing blues, rock and funk rhythms, accompanied by a fantastic horn section, Laurita has struck musical gold with this latest combo! Judging by the crowd reaction and that of the younger Laurita himself; we’re going to be seeing and hearing much more from this band.

Overall it was a fantastic afternoon of music and giving to a great cause, proving once again that the Trenton area music community can rise to the occasion with the best of them.

Another music community worth mentioning is the shore area’s. The nominations have recently come out for “The 4th Annual JAM Awards” being held on April 7 at The Jersey Shore Arts Center in Ocean Grove, NJ. The Jersey Acoustic Musicians (JAM) Awards have grown by leaps and bounds since its inception and now has an outreach covering our entire state. Initially founded as a way to recognize “coffee house” type players from the Jersey shore area communities, the awards have expanded to include acoustic artists from all over the state. Nominees from our area include Shaun Ruymen, Kim Yarson, The Gyrl Band, Sarah Donner and even yours truly! To cast your ballot and discover more about these great awards, please go to the JAM Awards Web site.

Keeping in that vein, two of those nominees Tom Johnston and Kevin John Allen are performing at The Grover’s Mill Coffee house on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Johnston is putting the finishing touches on his debut CD which is due out very soon and Allen (better known as KJA) has garned multiple nominations for his songwriting as well as his latest release “Life’s Lonely Rodeo.” Stop out and see these two unique performers, have a cup of Joe and some sweets, suitable for all ages!

Also on Friday, “The Road To The Sphinx Date 1” featuring a slew of metal acts kicks off at 5 p.m. at Championship on Chambers Street, perfect for the hard rockin’ enthusiast. If that doesn’t warm your “Rock And Roll Heart” then try Joe Vadala is live at the Tir Na Nog on Hamilton Ave. or Ernie White & Tom Reock at Olde Liberty Tavern on Liberty Street; all of these shows right here in our capital city. Just outside of the city, Tangled is back and live at The Ivy Tavern on South Broad Street. So many decision for a Friday evening; you and I know you can’t miss with any of these suggestions.

Saturday has the great cover duo of Deb & Mike performing at Halo Pub on Nottingham Way in Hamilton. This husband and wife team are very personable and engaging and play a wide selection of classic rock covers. Have a scoop or two and top’em off with some Deb & Mike. Another option is The Bradley Diamond Band at Palermo’s of Hamilton located on Klockner Road. These guys play some great classic rock covers as well with the occasional original thrown in for good measure.

That’s it for this week. Please consider voting in/for the JAM Awards, continue to support live and original music and until next week...ROCK ON!

Sun. 3 p.m. Headbang For The Highway Presents: “The Road To The Sphinx Date 2” feat. The Edge Of All Reason, Parius, Humanity Forsaken, Beyond Dishonor, Deception Theory, Due For Extinction, Rebuilt In Time, No Remorse For The Fallen, Carrion Earth, (TBA). All ages, $15